CHAPTER X 

 THE EQUIPMENT 



THE workman is known by his tools. 

 The problem of obtaining the most 

 efficient machinery for the conduct of the 

 farm without having an excessive amount is 

 not easy of solution. 



It is probable that the cost of maintain- 

 ing machinery and tools is not less than 15%, 

 10% for upkeep and 5% for interest, even 

 under the most careful management. Doubt- 

 less in practice it is as much as 25%. If this 

 is conceded there must be a limit to the 

 amount which may be economically in- 

 vested in equipment. This is a place where 

 the lead pencil may be used profitably. For 

 example, if $125 is invested in a self-binder, 

 the annual cost of the machine at 15% will 

 be $18.75. If one h as but 15 acres of grain 

 to harvest, it may be better to hire 

 a self-binder at $i an acre. On the other 

 hand, it may be necessary to own a self- 

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